Gallstones: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Risks & Treatment

Gallstones are solid masses that form in the gallbladder, a tiny organ located beneath the liver. The medical term of this condition is called, Cholelithiasis. The gallbladder plays a vital role in digestion by storing and releasing bile, a fluid produced by the liver. Bile transports cholesterol, bilirubin and other waste products out of the liver. The the components of bile become imbalanced, it forms gallstones.

What Are The Symptoms of Gallstones?

Gallstones often remain silent until they obstruct the bile duct, triggering symptoms. Initial Symptoms are upper abdominal pain and nausea.

If it becomes severe you may experience

1. Sweating
2. Fever
3. Fast heartbeat
4. Abdominal swelling and tenderness
5. Yellowing of skin and eyes
6. Dark urine
7. Pale stool

Types of Gallstones

The most common types of gallstones are Cholesterol stones and the second type is Pigment stones. The difference between them are:

1. Cholesterol Stones: These are mostly undissolved cholesterol, with the possible presence of bilirubin or bile salts. They are Yellow-green in colour.
2. Pigment Stones: These are mostly built with bilirubin. These are brown or black in colour. Liver disease, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or other blood disorders are associated with this condition.

Some individuals may have a combination of both cholesterol and pigment stones.

What are the causes of Gallstones?

Gallstones develop when bile’s main ingredients become imbalanced, leading to an excess of one component. This excess settles as sediment in the gallbladder or bile ducts, gradually hardening into stones. Causes of Gallstone Formation include:

1. Excess Cholesterol

The liver extracts cholesterol from the blood to make bile. Too much cholesterol in the blood disrupts the bile’s balance. Bile needs a balance of lipids and acids to work properly. It holds all ingredients together in harmony. Excess cholesterol throws off this balance. Any excess falls out of the bile mixture.

2. Excess Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a waste product that results from the breakdown of old or damaged red blood cells. Excess bilirubin can accumulate in the body due to blood disorders that cause excessive destruction of red blood cells. Liver impairment or dysfunction can hinder the liver’s ability to process bilirubin into bile. Excess bilirubin builds up, which can contribute to the formation of gallstone.

3. Insufficient Bile Acids

Certain diseases can disrupt the normal process of bile acids, leading to bile acid malabsorption. As a result, bile acids are lost in the stool. Then the liver has insufficient bile acids to produce bile and so, the bile becomes imbalanced, with excessive levels of lipids (cholesterol). This imbalance can increase the risk of gallstone formation.

4. Cholestasis or Gallbladder Stasis

Biliary stasis occurs when the bile ducts or gallbladder become inactive, failing to move bile effectively through the biliary tract. This inactivity allows bile to form sediment. The underlying cause of biliary stasis may be related to muscle function or chemical signaling issues that regulate muscle movement.

Risk Factors for Gallstones

Gallstones can be caused by various conditions and factors. Here are some common risk factors of it:

1. Age: Gallstone take time to develop. Men are more likely to get them after 60, while women are more likely to get them between 20-50.
2. Hormones: Women are three times more likely to get gallstone due to estrogen and progesterone fluctuations.
3. Genetics: Family history also increases the risk. If your family members are already diagnosed with it, you are more likely to develop it too.
4. Weight: Excess body fat increases estrogen and cholesterol levels. Rapid weight loss can also cause gallstone.

Diagnosis of Gallstones

If you’re experiencing symptoms, your healthcare provider will order to do blood tests and imaging tests.

1. Blood Tests will detect any inflammation, infection or jaundice. It also provides clues about which organs are affected.
2. Imaging tests are important to locate the source of the blockage in your biliary tract and confirm the presence of gallstone.

Treatment for Gallstones

If gallstones don’t cause problems, treatment isn’t necessary. However, if they cause a blockage, removal is recommended to prevent future issues. Its removal surgery is the best option to cure it. But if you don’t want to opt the surgery, some other options related to the treatment for this.

• Gallbladder Removal Surgery: Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is the best treatment for the long term. It’s a common procedure performed worldwide and it’s a laparoscopic surgery. You can lead a normal life without a gallbladder. After removal, bile flows directly from the liver to the small intestine.
• Cholecystostomy: Some people can’t undergo gallbladder removal surgery due to health risks. Cholecystostomy is an alternative procedure for these individuals. It involves placing a catheter to drain the gallbladder and remove gallstones.
• Medications: Medications for gallstones are rarely prescribed due to limited effectiveness. Ursidol and chenodiol are medications that can dissolve smaller cholesterol stones. These medications only work for stones without complications and may take months to years to dissolve. Even with treatment, gallstones often return. Medications are not a practical treatment option for most people. However, medications may be helpful in specific circumstances as a temporary or preventive solution.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Gallstones?

Answer: Gallstones are solid masses that form in the gallbladder, a tiny organ located beneath the liver. The medical term of this condition is called, Cholelithiasis.

2. What are the symptoms of Gallstones?

Answer: Gallstones often remain silent until they obstruct the bile duct, triggering symptoms. Initial Symptoms are upper abdominal pain and nausea. If it goes severe you may experience – Sweating, Fever, Rapid heartbeat, Abdominal swelling and tenderness, Yellowing of skin and eyes, Dark urine, Light colour stools.

3. What are the causes of Gallstones?

Answer: Excess cholesterol, excess bilirubin, insufficient bile acid, Cholestasis or Gallbladder Stasis are the causes of Gallstones.

4. Who is at risk for Gallstones?

Answer: Men above 60, women in reproductive age, people who are overweight and have family history of Gallstones are at high risk.

5. What is the treatment for gallstones?

Answer: Treatment options for Gallstone include medication, or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

6. What is laparoscopic gallbladder removal?

Answer:  This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder using small incisions and a laparoscope.

7. Can I live without a gallbladder?

Answer:  Yes, you can live without a gallbladder. But the liver will still produce bile, which will flow directly into the small intestine.